Does weed go bad? Well, the answer is yes, it does. Over time weed can lose potency and become dry, brittle and less enjoyable to smoke. In this guide, we will discuss how long weed should last and what signs to look out for when it gets expired. We will also explain how to properly store your weed to get the most out of it.
How Long Does Weed Last?
The shelf life of weed depends on several factors, such as the quality of the weed and how it's stored. Generally speaking, high-quality weed should last for up to two years when properly stored in an airtight container away from sunlight and heat. However, lower-grade marijuana won't last nearly as long - this type of weed can become stale and less potent in a few months.
Also, when weed is harvested, it lasts a certain amount of time, known as the "curing period." During this process, the cannabis loses its moisture slowly and becomes dry, which can help to preserve it for longer periods. If you buy your weed without a proper curing period, it won't last nearly as long as a high-quality weed that has been cured properly.
How Can Weed Go Bad?
Given enough time, weed can go bad. This is due to its natural oils oxidizing over time, which decreases the potency of the plant matter and makes it far less pleasant to consume. It's important to note that old weed won't necessarily make you sick - however, it will not provide you with the same high as a fresh weed would.
One factor that speeds up the oxidizing process is exposure to sunlight and heat. If your weed is stored in a place that receives direct sunlight, then it can become dry and brittle much faster than if it were kept in a cool, dark area. Additionally, if you keep your weed in plastic containers or bags, the humidity levels could increase, which can also lead to mold growth.
Signs Your Weed Has Expired
Unfortunately, there are no hard-and-fast rules for telling if your weed has expired. However, there are a few signs that can help you determine if your weed is no longer fresh:
Mold
Before rolling your joint, always check for mold. Mold is one of the clearest signs that your weed has gone bad. Mold often appears as fuzzy white, green, or grey spots on the cannabis buds, which could signify moldy nugs if you notice this. Your weed turns mold when it is exposed to too much moisture and not dried and cured properly.
Unfortunately, some weed users ignore this warning sign and still consume the moldy weed. Doing this can lead to health problems, like respiratory infections, coughing fits, and more. Thus, avoiding consuming any weed with visible mold growth is important.
Smell
Another way to tell if your weed has gone bad is by smelling it. Fresh cannabis should have an earthy, slightly sweet smell when you break open a bud. On the other hand, old weed will often have a stale or musty odor because the terpenes that give weed its unique smell and taste are slowly evaporating over time.
If you notice that your weed has a musty or stale smell, then it is probably past its prime. It is best to discard this weed and get fresh buds instead.
Texture
The texture of your weed is another indicator of its freshness. Fresh buds should be slightly sticky and dense, while old weed will often be dry and brittle to the touch. If you notice that your buds are very dry or crumbly when you break them apart, they may have gone bad.
Appearance
High-quality cannabis is recognizable by its vivid green hues and streaks of purple, along with delicate orange or amber hairs. This beautiful spectacle should be blanketed in a layer of opaque trichomes that give it an even more captivating appeal. However, if the bright green has dulled to a murky brown or yellow hue - fear no more! It's not often you find expired weed but when you do, save yourself the trouble and leave it alone.
How To Properly Store Weed
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your weed fresh for longer periods. The most important thing weed lovers should know about weed preservation is to keep it away from the air. Here are some effective methods include:
Get A Good Container
An airtight container is essential for preserving your weed. The container should be made of a material that will not absorb the terpenes or cannabinoids in the weed, like glass or metal. Storing your weed in a mason jar or another airtight container is one of the best ways to keep it from going bad.
Watch Out For Humidity
Humidity can be your weed's worst enemy, as it can lead to mold growth. To avoid this problem, keep the humidity in your storage area below 60%. You can monitor the humidity level using a hygrometer, a device that measures the amount of moisture in the air.
Stay On The Dark Side
Finally, you should keep your weed away from sunlight and heat. Excessive light and heat can break down the cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis flower more quickly, leading to an overall decrease in quality over time.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your weed stays fresh and potent for as long as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many weed lovers have questions about how long weed lasts and how to store cannabis properly. This section will answer some of the most commonly asked questions on this topic.
How Long Does Weed Stay Good?
When stored properly, weed can stay good for up to two years. However, its potency and flavor may deteriorate after six months in storage. This is why following the proper storage methods is important to ensure your weed stays as fresh and potent for as long as possible. Also, getting high-quality weed strains will help you get the most out of your stash.
Is Freezing a Good Way to Preserve Weed?
It is not recommended to freeze weed, as it can cause damage to the trichomes and reduce its potency. Instead, it is best to store cannabis in an airtight container away from heat and light. This will ensure your weed stays fresh and potent for as long as possible.
What Happens to Weed Over Time?
The cannabinoids and terpenes will slowly degrade over time. This means that even if your weed is still good after two years, it may not be as potent or flavorful as when you first acquired it.
Does Weed Expire?
Yes, weed expires, though it can last several years if stored properly. Signs of expired weed include a musty or stale smell and an overly dry and crumbly texture. It is best to discard any weed that has gone bad, as smoking may not be safe or enjoyable.
Does Weed Get Old & Stale?
Yes, weed can get old and stale if not stored properly. Old weed often has a musty or stale smell and an overly dry texture.
Can You Smoke Old Weed?
It is not recommended to smoke old weed, as it can be unsafe and may not provide the desired effects. Also, some people may react poorly to smoking weed that has gone bad, so it is best to discard any weed that may affect your system.
What to Do with Old Weed?
If you notice your weed is getting old and going bad, there are other creative ways to use it. For example, you can make topical creams or weed tea, which are great ways to still get some benefits without smoking it. You can also use old weed for edibles, as baking or cooking with expired weed will not have the same side effects as smoking it.
Don't Start Off With Bad Weed: Get Top-Level Weed From Us
One way to ensure your buds remain fresh for a long time is to ensure you buy top-quality weed from us. We strive to provide the best quality weed for our customers and guarantee them a good smoking experience.
As an I71-compliant dispensary, Top Level DC only gifts free cannabis strains to its customers and ensures they comply with the DC weed laws. With a team of experienced budtenders, you'll always get the best quality weed, vape carts and edibles. Visit us for your walk-in and online purchases today!
To get quality cannabis strains from Top Level, all you need to do is:
Select your free weed gift of choice
Purchase your desired art print
All art prints are created by local artists in the DC area.
Before Visiting Top Level DC: Please bring your 21+ State Issued ID to redeem your free gift. Check out our menu here or get directions to our store today. Have questions about our i71 gifting process? Call (202) 740-6670 or Whatsapp us today to speak to one of our high-quality team members today.
Note: We accept cash and now also credit/debit card payments for purchases over $50.
